As the Mets took the field to stretch before the game, a few gazed at the noticeably less imposing right-centerfield fence. At least one did a double-take at the cozier new dimensions. But by the end of Monday's season-opening 2-0 win, the ballpark played as it has for years.

Perhaps that will change as the weather heats up and summer descends on the city. But Monday, with new fences anywhere from 3 to 11 feet closer to the plate, neither the Mets nor Phillies came close to taking advantage.

General manager Sandy Alderson played down any lingering concerns about top pitching prospect Noah Syndergaard, who battled forearm soreness at the end of spring training. "We had him examined, including an MRI and all that stuff," he said. "No, we don't see any issue."

Syndergaard made his season debut for Triple-A Las Vegas Monday night, allowing three runs (two earned) and seven hits in four innings in an 8-5 win over Sacramento. He threw 54 pitches.

Subscribe to Newsday’s sports newsletter

Receive stories, photos and videos about your favorite New York teams plus national sports news and events.

Wilmer Flores had a hit for the second straight game, giving Collins hope that he is snapping out of a slump. "I think they're very important for him," Collins said of Flores, who is hitting .174. " . . . So if he starts to get confidence offensively, I think he's going to break out."

Extra bases

A loud contingent of Mets fans started a Yankee Stadium-style roll call in the first inning . . . The Mets are 34-20 in home openers, including 4-3 at Citi Field. With Steven Marcus